General Questions

What is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to a change in the “average weather” of an area caused by the unnatural warming of the globe. Average weather changes include all of the features that we typically associate with weather; temperature, wind patterns and precipitation. Climate change is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases as a result of anthropogenic (human) activities and can affect land, sea or air. The natural warming and cooling cycles on planet earth have been occurring for millennia. However, anthropogenic (human) sources of greenhouse gases contribute to the instability of the atmosphere causing weather patterns to be disrupted. This trend enhances the atmospheres ability to trap heat. In fact, the atmosphere contains 32% more carbon dioxide than it did in the mid 1800’s.

How does Climate Change differ from Global Warming?

This question is up for debate among both politicians and scientists. There is strong evidence that supports the idea that human industry and fossil fuel use has contributed significantly to the creation of emissions. There are 6 Greenhouse Gases (GHG’s) that have been identified by the Kyoto Protocol, each of which have a carbon equivalent, or CO2e. These GHG’s are internationally recognized as the primary contributors of human induced climate change.

What are Greenhouse Gases and where do they come from?

Greenhouse gases (GHG’s) were so named because they have the same effect on the earth that glass on the outside of a greenhouse has on its interior. GHGs allow the sun’s rays to pass through but trap in heat that sustains life on our planet. This process is known as the “greenhouse effect”. Without these gases – primarily water vapour, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide — the earth would be too cold for most creatures to survive. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) exist within the atmosphere both naturally and as a result of anthropogenic (human) processes. The primary, man-made GHGs include: Carbon dioxide Methane Nitrous oxide Sulphur hexafluoride Hydrofluorocarbons Perfluorocarbons.

What does Carbon Neutral mean?

Carbon neutral means contributing net zero addition of carbon dioxide (or CO2e) into the atmosphere. To claim carbon neutrality, it doesn’t mean producing no emissions, but the net addition of emissions into the atmosphere is zero. This is primarily achieved through the purchase of carbon offsets.

What is Carbon Offsetting?

In order to offset the emissions that you create, it’s necessary to quantify or measure your carbon footprint. Once you know the amount of CO2e you produce, you can purchase a carbon offset. Carbonzero’s Signature Portfolio of carbon offsets are sourced from projects that support entities in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. All credits from Carbonzero’s Signature Portfolio are additional, quanti?ed, veri?ed by independent third parties and registered on the Canadian Standards Association CleanProjects registry or similar. This ensures that the carbon offset that you purchase is retired on your behalf, not being double counted by other offsetters.